2002 Saab 9-3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 16%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,905miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Saab 9-3, 16% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,905 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 1/26/07 the water pump of my car was replaced because it was leaking. I have come to realize this is the third time the water pump needed to be changes. It was also changed by the manufacturer/dealer on 11/10/04 & 2/25/03. Hence the car has gone through three water pumps in 44510 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10199804, filed 2007-08, 44,510 miles“The blower on the air conditioner was not working. In addition I went in twice to have them look at the heating unit or climate control. The third time they replaced it, but it still turns off and sets to zero. Now the heat will come on whereas it didn't before. I recently (last week feb. 16) down shifted in traffic because there was an accident ahead. I down shifted for five to four to three and the car turned off and I drifted to the side. I had the car towed to the dealer and they looked at it later the following week. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070014, filed 2004-01, 24,000 miles“Noticed blue smoke on engine start-up. Dealer said turbo charge had failed seal. Replaced turbo. 28,000 miles on car. Seems to be a fairly common failure on saabs since around 1999.”
NHTSA complaint #10157636, filed 2006-05, 28,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Saab 9-3. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter rubbed against the oil pan and cut a 1/4 inch groove in the pan. He moved the catalytic converter over to avoid a major failure and repaired the oil pan. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer, located three hours away. The current mileage was approximately 113,000 and failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Updated 03/18/09. Updated 03/18/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10260669, filed 2009-03, 110,000 miles“The contact stated the air conditioner and the defroster has been repaired multiple times due to a sensor problem. The engine was replaced a few months ago but the replacement engine was noisy.”
NHTSA complaint #10168526, filed 2006-09, 47,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10214869Jun 15, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% |
| 2006 | 11 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 6 | 16% |
| 2001 | 14 | 24% |
| 2000 | 13 | 26% |
| 1999 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2002 Saab 9-3
14 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Saab 9-3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology